RoadVitals

2000 Subaru Impreza

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
41
Latest Oct 29, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
1 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 41 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Subaru Impreza, most frequently naming the suspension, transmission and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 71 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Suspension816.3%
  • Transmission612.2%
  • Brakes510.2%
  • Powertrain (other)48.2%
  • Tires & wheels48.2%
  • Fuel system36.1%
  • Engine36.1%
  • Visibility36.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 11, 2008
1,921 units potentially affected
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
K2 MOTOR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 41
Filed Oct 29, 2017

I WAS PULLING OUT OF A SERVICE BAY AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, I WAS GOING A LITTLE TO FAST SO I HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED, I LET UP OFF THE PEDAL AND BRAKED AGAIN AND IT ACCELERATED AGAIN. I BUMPED THE ATTENDANT IN FRONT OF ME AND KNOCKED HIM DOWN. HE SAID HE WAS OK. I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR RATHER THAN THE BRAKE BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT. IT ALMOST FELT LIKE THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT FURTHER DOWN THAN NORMAL AND WHEN I BRAKED MY FOOT CAME DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. AS PART OF THE SERVICE THEY CHECKED MY BRAKE FLUID AND SAID IT LOOKED GOOD. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I DROVE THE VEHICLE QUITE A BIT TO CHECK IT OUT. IT SEEMED TO BE OPERATING CORRECTLY. NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME. I'VE BEEN INTO 100S OF SERVICE BAYS AND HAVE DRIVEN MANY MANY MILES. I HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED MYSELF AN EXCELLENT DRIVER. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I'M NOT SO SURE ANYMORE. IN ADDITION, THIS IS MY HIGH SCHOOL DAUGHTER'S CAR AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS SAFE FOR HER TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID
11040924
Incident
Oct 28, 2017
Mileage
148,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 18, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ID
10658889
Incident
Nov 18, 2014
Mileage
135,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 10, 2014

VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. FOUND SERIOUS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINES AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. DEALER/OTHER OWNERS REPORTED SAME PROBLEMS FOR THIS MODEL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10563693
Incident
Jan 23, 2014
Mileage
93,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 28, 2013

RE: GENERAL ALTIMAX RT 205/60R15 DOT 65TM3T3 (PER CONTINENTAL). TREAD SEPARATION/BUBBLED SIDEWALLS WHEN VEHICLE TRAVELING 50-55MPH. DRIVER FELT TIRE GOING FLAT & PULLED OVER TO FIND SIDEWALL BUBBLED & DISTORTED AROUND ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE. SENT TO CONTINENTAL TIRE (ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GENERAL TIRE WARRANTY) WHO DENIED THE CLAIM BLAMING "UNDERINFLATION/OVERLOADING". THE OWNER/DRIVER OF THE CAR IS A FORMER DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN WHO MAINTAINS THE TIRES AND KNOWS SYMPTOMS OF TIRE PROBLEMS. (TWO AIR COMPRESSORS IN HOME GARAGE). THE CAR WAS NOT OVERLOADED. WHEN THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WARRANTY SUBMISSION, A NUMBER OF TECH'S GATHERED AROUND AS NONE HAD EVER SEEN THIS PROFOUND LEVEL OF SEPARATION/BUBBLING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10494960
Incident
Oct 30, 2012
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 21, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU IMPERZA. THE REAR CONTINENTAL TIRES MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE TIRES WERE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED ABNORMAL TREAD WEAR INSIDE OF THE SIDE-WALL. THE TIRES ARE CUPPED AT THIS POINT. THE TECHNICIANS INSPECTED THE SUSPENSION AND THE ALIGNMENT, BUT COULD NOT LOCATE A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ID
10296601
Incident
Dec 1, 2009
Mileage
140,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 29, 2008

RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED 63948, 67346, 84427 MILES. HAD TO GO ON THE INTERNET TO FIND OUT THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR (NEW) THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A NOISE LIKE SOMETHING RATTLING INSIDE OF IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE ENGINE APART, AND SINCE THE PROBLEM WASN'T DANGEROUS, THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT. VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10236253
Incident
Sep 27, 2006
Mileage
63,948 mi
EngineExterior lighting
Filed Jan 21, 2007

TURN SIGNAL DIMMER SWITCH. HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT IF TURN SIGNAL IS TOUCHED. FAILURE OF LIGHTS OPERATING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT FOR SECONDS UNTIL LIGHTS TURN BACK ON. NO CORRECTION MADE YET. WATER PUMP MAKING HIGH PITCH SOUND. FAILURE OF PUMP COULD CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. NO CORRECTION MADE YET. *NM

NHTSA ID
10179279
Incident
Jan 20, 2007
Suspension
Filed Jun 26, 2006

DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. REPLACED REAR-RIGHT IN 2002, REAR LEFT FEB 2004, BOTH REAR JUN 2006. *NM

NHTSA ID
10160795
Incident
Jun 23, 2006
Mileage
64,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SubaruNet Announcement

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.

15-130-08R

This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.

01-167-08R

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

15-298-22R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK® Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.

01-167-08R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

15-320-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Impreza by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100—
2025400—
2024302053.2
2023420—
2022121049.5
2021142043.4
2020851044.8
20191935050.2
20181495050.0
20171257056.3
2016751043.2
2015772046.5
20141083055.2
20132494052.7
20122426154.1
20115714060.7
20104515050.7
200910315050.5
200817615051.6
2007689159.9
20065610152.4
2005756361.5
2004968460.2
2003626564.6
20022926458.8
2001113059.0
2000Viewing414052.4
1999224048.4
1998303044.1
1997303057.1
1996203056.7
1995464268.4
1994832—
1993333059.2
1990100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.